The Bora may be the most technologically advanced multi-day pack available at this point in time, coming straight from the Canadian kings of geekiness. It's designed for 2-3 day trips and will carry weight like no other pack thanks to Arc'teryx's RotaGlide hipbelt and backplate materials.
The key to this unparalleled weight carrying ability is Arc'teryx's RotoGlide hipbelt. Most hipbelts are padded, vented and have an anatomical shape to fit the hips snugly and securely, however what this doesn't account for is the movement our back faces when using the pack in the real world. The Bora contains all of these atributes but also with an added touch of Canadian geekiness. Believe it or not, but our back momentarily changes length while ascending, descending and generally moving about. The RotoGlide hipbelt is essentially placed on a pivoting joint which can move side to side and up and down, meaning as your back extends while leaning forward and retracts while standing straight, so will the Bora.
No two people have exactly the same width and length of back, the Bora contains the ability to be able to change the position of the shoulder straps depending on your shoulder width and back length. Simply unclick the shoulder straps using their "ball and socket" type fastening system and pop it in a selection of other places, wherever feels most comfortable. This not only puts less pressure on the chest strap as the shoulder straps aren't falling off your shoulders if you're quite a narrow shape, but also contributes towards carrying the overall weight more efficiently.
Although this may look like a climbing pack and perform like a trekking pack, it covers a wide range of activities, whether that's scrambling, mountaineering, hiking, backpacking and travelling, the Bora is designed to be an all-rounder capable of all these activities. A densley woven and super durable Nylon fabric is used throughout the pack. What Arc'teryx then do is laminate the Nylon in certain areas to offer superior durability and water resistance such as on the top and front of the pack where rain will fall the most. Lighter weight Nylon is then used on the sides of the pack to decrease weight, yet still provide a bombproof bag to last years of abuse.
Arc'teryx have also strayed away from industry standard fabrics for the backpanel. Your back will only have two contact points while the pack is on; the shoulders and the hipbelt, the rest is empty space designed to promote airflow and increase comfort. These contact points are fastened onto Arc'teryx's Tegris fabric; a material used by no other bag available. This fabric allows Arc'teryx to glue to it, sew to it, laminate it and thermoform it. which in turn, reduces the amount of excess material used to fasten the bag together. It also provides more support than a standard plastic backsystem and is lighter too.
One weather proof kangaroo pocket is included on the front of the pack, while two side pockets carry 1L of water each or walking poles instead. Mesh hipbelt pockets store small items such as keys, a phone or snacks and an internal pocket will store a hydration bladder. Lastly, an extendable and removable top lid with a zipped compartment is the ideal size for a map or items that require quick access.
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Weatherproof construction
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Rotatable hipbelt
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Adjustable shoulder strap height and width
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Super durable high tenacity nylon
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Mesh hipbelt pockets
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Thermo-molded Tegris frame sheet and aluminium stays
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Hydration compatible
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Ventilated back panel
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Lid closure with two buckles
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Top loading with side access zips
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Removable lid
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Two ice axe loops
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.